2002 Salon "Le Mesnil" Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne

100DC

100JS

100WE

97VN

97WS

96BH

95RP

$1,299.99

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100

Decanter

Reviewed January 2020

An almost ideal growing season with no periods of extreme weather, ending with a cool but sunny September. Harvest began on 16 September. The very classy nose has a mineral-infused character underlying its spicy, floral scents. This Salon has the power to be long-lived and the freshness and vivacity to be already enjoyable, but also to be an ideal companion for a gastronomic meal. Perfection. (YC)

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Professional Reviews

100

James Suckling

Review Date: 07/2024

One of the greatest modern Champagnes ever. The aromas are so seductive with brioche, apple tart, and flint underneath it all. Chalk and hints of metal shavings develop a minerally essence. It's full-bodied and yet tight in the center palate. The power and intensity is mesmerizing. It goes on for minutes. It's so enjoyable and intellectually stimulating to taste and it can go for decades ahead. A perfect Champagne in every way. Drink or hold.

100

Wine Enthusiast

Review Date: 12/2014

The 35th and most recent vintage of Salon since the house was founded in 1905 is memorable and magnificent. Made only from Chardonnay grown in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, it combines intense minerality, a crisp textured core and the beginnings of maturity. The depths of this wine, with its layers of fruit and steeliness, are superb. *Cellar Selection* (RV)

Vinous

Review Date: 06/2016

Another highlight in this vertical, the 2002 Salon is also fascinating to taste after the 2004. Rich, opulent and intense, yet also very classic in the Salon house style, the 2002 possesses superb persistence and depth. The radiant vintage has softened the contours and given the wine fabulous depth to match its decidedly powerful personality. At the same time, the 2002 remains quite youthful. Next to the brighter and more finessed 2004, the 2002 offers more of a baritone-inflected expression of Chardonnay. (AG)

Staff Reviews

Gary Westby

K&L Buyer

Words fall short when trying to explain the perfection of the 2002 Salon, so I will start with the facts. This wine is made only in great vintages, only from old vines in the most famous of all Champagne Grand Crus - Mesnil. Because there is never any malolactic fermentation for Salon, the wine must be aged for a decade minimum on the lees, and that is why we are just seeing the 2002 now. This Champagne is the last word on precision and elegance and one of the longest Champagnes that I have ever had an opportunity to try. It will age for longer than most of us will live as bottles from the '20s and '30s prove today. Unfortunately there is not much of it...

Notes

95 points Josh Raynolds in Vinous: "Light yellow. Intensely perfumed aromas of tangerine, poached pear, white flowers and candied ginger, with a vibrant mineral overtone. Velvety and seamless on the palate, offering densely packed orchard and citrus fruit flavors that gain spiciness and vivacity with air. Shows superb depth and finishes long, taut and minerally, with clinging pear and honeysuckle qualities. I have no doubt that this is a Champagne for the long haul; in fact, it really demands aging." (12/2014)

Details

Type	Sparkling Wine
Varietal	Chardonnay
Origin	Champagne, France
Bottle Size	750 mL
Alcohol Content	12%
SKU	1154342